Last updated: 2026-05-15
Dodge vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Dodge
5 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Comparing Dodge and Tesla on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Dodge currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 52/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | Dodge | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 72/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 18 | 101 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 368 | 2526 |
Dodge Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Tesla: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Dodge pulls well ahead of Tesla on reliability. Across 5 Dodge and 5 Tesla models, Dodge averages 72/100 to 52/100 — a 20-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
Where Dodge and Tesla Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 40/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 76/100Good | 57/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 74/100Good |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Dodge scores 28 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Dodge vs Tesla: Strengths and Weaknesses
Dodge
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (72/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 4 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 73 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Dodge and Tesla Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Dodge
Tesla
Dodge vs Tesla Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Dodge | Tesla | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 74/100 | 47/100 | Dodge |
| SUVs(2 vs 2 models) | 65/100 | 56/100 | Dodge |
Dodge wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Dodge vs Tesla
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Dodge | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | — | 25%2,734 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%429 | 12%1,331 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%173 | 13%1,412 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1%12 | 14%1,504 |
| STEERING | 3%50 | 12%1,303 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%66 | 8%898 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%18 | 6%708 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%149 | 4%426 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%167 | 2%238 |
| STRUCTURE | 7%101 | 2%222 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Dodge vs Tesla Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Dodge owners reported 84 crash-related, 20 fire-related, and 88 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Tesla owners reported 1,306 crash-related, 73 fire-related, and 868 injury-related complaints. Dodge has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Dodge
84
Crash reports
20
Fire reports
88
Injury reports
Tesla
1,306
Crash reports
73
Fire reports
868
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Tesla Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Dodge Models
Dodge vs Tesla Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Dodge's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 60/100.
| Model Year | Dodge | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 71/100(3) | 64/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 56/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 47/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2022 | 73/100(3) | 54/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2021 | 72/100(3) | 43/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2020 | 77/100(4) | 47/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 72/100(4) | 50/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 70/100(4) | 48/100(3) | Dodge |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Dodge vs Tesla: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Dodge and Tesla. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Tesla?
Dodge is the clear reliability pick here, and the data backs it up across most metrics.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Dodge Grand-Caravan leads both lineups with a score of 78/100.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Dodge vs Tesla: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Tesla?
Which make has more recalls, Dodge or Tesla?
What are the most reliable models from Dodge and Tesla?
What are the least reliable models from Dodge and Tesla?
What are the most common problems with Dodge and Tesla vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Dodge or Tesla?
How many Dodge and Tesla models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Dodge or Tesla?
Are Dodge and Tesla getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Dodge or Tesla?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Dodge or Tesla?
Comparing Dodge vs Tesla? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Make Comparisons
More Dodge comparisons
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.